I love me some HGTV.
I’ve lost days to home makeover shows and will surely lose more as I insist on watching them whenever our family stays in a hotel.
Simply put, I find “before and after’s” quite satisfying.
And since I’ve been working on cleaning up my office space (my very own “before and after”), my mind has wandered to thinking about the digital online world and the big makeover it could use!
I mean, haven’t we all experienced numerous digital faux pas and seen a lot of room for improvement?
I’ve personally seen a multitude of digital fails and think if HGTV can transform homes with beautiful makeovers, why can’t we revamp our online interactions by adopting good digital etiquette and design principles?
Let’s begin by tackling 3 design elements.
1. Curb Appeal: Creating a Welcoming Online Presence
Just as a home’s curb appeal captures attention (hello adorable brick pathway!), our online presence should make a positive first impression, too.
One of the easiest ways to be welcoming is to use an inviting profile picture. Yes, this means that you need a professional picture that reflects your personality and captures attention.
And yes, this also means that the fabulous picture of you boating, or at a wedding, or posing with a group of your besties will not make the cut.
First impressions are quick (1-2 seconds) and this applies to the digital world as well.
Our brain is hard-wired to look for faces so we are viewed more favorably if we can actually see it! Your smiling face is a big part of curb appeal.
2. Layout and Design: Organizing Your Online Spaces
Like an interior designer, consider the layout and design of your online space. In addition to your website and online platforms, consider your virtual background.
- What is it saying about you?
- What nonverbal messages is it displaying?
- What can you do to leverage it and show up intentionally?
Showcase your personality and industry by considering what is in your background.
- Do you have an important certification you need to showcase?
- A book you’ve written?
- Or are you a reader and need to highlight some of your favorite reads?
- Is there a conversational piece that will get people commenting and effortlessly launch you into productive small talk?
Keep in mind that cluttered spaces tend to overwhelm, so keep it clean and crisp. And make sure you check your camera angle to make sure you are properly framed (no plants growing out of your head, please!)
3. Lighting: Shining a Good Light
I’ve lost track of the times I’ve jumped on a virtual call and interacted with someone on the other end who basically appeared to be a black blob, a spooky ghost, or worse yet, like the girl from The Ring. |
Why?
Because the lightening in the room was abysmal. No thought had been given to how my ability to see (or not see!) them impacted our interaction.
Hot tip: It has a big impact!
Deep thought: If lightening didn't matter, restaurants wouldn’t bother with mood lighting.
Just as lighting transforms your home space, your online lightening should also be thought out and well lit.
So go ahead and start watching home makeover shows and start applying the concepts!
By adopting the principles of HGTV’s shows and applying them to our online interactions, we can transform our digital presence into a welcoming and engaging space.
Your co-pilot (who is channeling the Joanna Gaines vibe),
P.S.
What are some of your virtual challenges?
I’m pulling together a workshop and keynote on this topic and would love to hear your personal questions & struggles.